I work in a lab setting where students are doing different competencies simultaneously. It can be very difficult to monitor everyone and give each student the time they need. I have found that having each and every student make a written plan and check in with me about their plan of action prior to the lab starting enables me to interact with everyone much more easily. Monitoring, moving around during class and lab gives me an opportunity to immediately correct mistakes and give positive feedback as it is occuring.
Grouping students for projects works best in most cases when the groupings are random. Floating around the classroom and monitoring students is an effective way to see how your students are doing; and both award well done work, and help those that might be struggling but not voicing concerns.
I learned that with students, it is best to have only 6-8 members for optimal learning. It can serve as peer tutors and resources for the students. I also learned that there should not be a large weight for group assignments. It is best to have no more than 30% of total grade.
Comment on Francisco Gonzalez's post: Placing students in groups helps them learn how to work on group projects that is an essential skill in the workplace. This makes each individual student responsible for their portion of the assignment and creates accountability. Students can actively learn from each other and develop their strengths.
Comment on Francisco Gonzalez's post:
I assign different topics to different groups and then have them give a presentation. While the students are talking I take notes on the white board for review purposes. Also, if the group forgets important points I am able to add the information so that the entire class learns.
Grouping students aids in their learning of subject matter as well as learning to work together as a team .
I typically let students pick their group for awhile until I get enough time to get to know them and their abilities then I make small changes along the way without making it obvious because sometimes students will get self-conscious when sudden change happens.
Group projects also a best tool of learnings . Students learn how to work in a groups, build friendships and exchange views.
Grouping students is extremely important. This allows students to learn from one another. You can have formal or informal groups. Formal groups are teacher-driven allowing for students to be in groups that are diverse or homogeneous based on what is in involved. Group work should be rigorous, but not so rigorous that the students give up. Making sure each group member knows their role and what they are responsible for doing in the group is also important. Students can be graded as a group, individually, or self-assess.
Group work can be very beneficial to a classroom, but it needs to be organized fairly and well.
I have been hesitant to add group projects or learning into my teaching because I hated them as a student. That being said, I do think this course did well in encouraging me to rethink this. I will say if I do groups, I will have them 6-8 students/each per this course.
Group learning is very important because you can mix in different types of learning coming from each student and create a balance.
How to use different types of group settings to foster confidence and diversity.
I sometimes put students in group for class work problems that are difficult.
I have learned that monitoring of students can result in creating a positive learning environment. Monitoring can keep small problems small and prevent them from growing into large problems.
Group learning is a great way for students to break out of there comfort zone and interact with others. It helps them to develop those team skills they need in life. I am constantly monitoring my students and interacting with them to see how the group is doing and if I feel like we are ok to move forward or spend more time on things we may not understand yet.
A clearly defined outcome and division of labor.
I have a better understanding of how to structure and instruct students in small group settings. I prefer to randomly assign students to specific groups to avoid issues with selection.
I have learned the importance of student monitoring. Also the use of groups and ensuring that the groups are diverse and the students have the ability to work with different types of students.
Tamar it is good to teach our students how to give support and encouragement to each other to keep a positive environment for learning.
Doris R. Owens
